This term is applied to such bodies or municipal societies, which, though not vested with the general powers of corporations, are yet recognized by statutes or immemorial usage, as persons or aggregate corporations, with precise duties which may be enforced, and privileges which may be maintained by suits at law. They may be considered qua corporations, with limited powers, … [Read more...]

A writ that formerly lay where the lord proffered a suitable marriage to his ward, who rejected it, and entered into the land, and married another, the value of his marriage not being satisfied to the lord. Abolished by 12 Car. II. c 24. … [Read more...]

The seal kept by the director of the chancery in Scotland is so called. It is in the shape and impression of the fourth part of the great seal. … [Read more...]

In English law. A writ to recover damages against a bishop who does not admit a plaintiff's clerk. It is, however, rarely or never necessary; for it is said that a bishop, refusing to execute the writ ad admittcndum clericum, or making an insufficient return to It, may be fined. Wats. Cler. Law, 302. … [Read more...]

In English law. A criminal court held before two or more justices of the peace, (one of whom must be of the quorum,) in every county, once in every quarter of a year. 4 BL Comm. 271; 4 Steph. Comm. 335. In American law. Courts established in some of the states, to be holden four times in the year, invested with criminal jurisdiction, usually of offenses less than felony, and … [Read more...]